Archives for December 2013

Every year, John compiles and edits all of our video bits and photos into a “year in review.” All the little moments we captured on our phones and more. It’s such a fun way to get a glimpse into our year and reflect on all the little things that you might otherwise forget. The edits are always quick and just like the year, if you blink you might miss something. Its fun to try to squint as the photos fly by and laugh at all the silliness that the year held. When we did last years “year in review” I thought it was going to be pretty damn hard to beat – but obviously this year with Oliver is our best year yet. Its insane how quickly 2013 came and went. I imagine that this is a product of being a parent and the years will continue to fly by. Which makes me extra thankful that we have these memories and we can summarize each years milestones and moments. Because as much as you try to cherish each and every day the memories sure can get away from you quickly. I’m thankful for yet another beautiful year with family and friends and looking forward to the next. (Although, admittedly it’s a little bittersweet to end the year that welcomed the birth of our son!)

In case you don’t know, I’m a pretty big fan of Christmas. This is my last week at work before we start our holiday break and sadly I didn’t feel like the place was full of much holiday cheer. I love holiday music and cocoa and that warm happy feeling that the holidays bring. I feel like the holidays are the perfect excuse to have a cookie break in the middle of the day, smile a little bigger for a little longer, or buy someone a coffee, etc. But today felt like any old Thursday at the office and it was kinda bummin’ me out! Bahumbug guys! So today when we shot my outfit photos Tracy directed me to “show me some holiday cheer”. I may have gotten carried away with that sentiment as exhibited in the bizarre photos at the end. Look at that holiday cheer! I can’t even contain myself!

As we gear up for the holidays I have a million little list of things to do (laundry, packing, list making, present wrapping, this, that and the other thing). I’m getting less sleep and maybe less hair washing haha, so I’m keeping it simple, easy and comfy today

Sakura Bloom has started running their next series of Sling Diaries, where baby wearing families share photos, stories and reflections on life. Many of my friends (real life friends and internet friends alike) entered and many were chose to participate. Initially, I considered entering myself. I love the idea of being given a topic to write and reflect on, allowing me to slow down and focus on what it means to me and my family etc. I love the idea of taking adorable photos of my family and the close bond that baby wearing can create. But the longer I considered it, I decided against it. I still love the idea, and maybe I will consider participating in the next round. But in the end I feared that instead of being a beautiful bonding experience for our family, it might become another thing on a list of things I had to do and it might just frazzle me and in turn actually cause my family undo stress. Because, the truth is, I have enough on my plate right now. I’m a first time mom who works full time and sometimes tries to also manage a side business. And I want to spend any “off” time with Oliver and give him my full and undivided attention.

All that being said. When Sakura Bloom asked for entries they asked that participants write a short few paragraphs on the topic of curiosity. I wrote that entry and never did anything with it. I thought I might share it here and when the mood strikes me, I might share more of these thoughts or writings. Doing the sort of thing that I hoped that the Sling Diaries would allow me to do without the stress of time constraints or “having to do it”.

Here are my thoughts on curiosity:

As you grew and fluttered inside me, I wondered about you. What would you look like? Who would you be? Would you take on our traits or be a man of your own?

Once you arrived, I wondered whether your hair would stay dark and wavy like your mamas or whether it would slowly turn from black to blonde, the way your father’s sister’s did. What color would your eyes be when they finally settled from their soft gray? Would you forever remain this serious? Or had you simply not discovered your sense of humor yet?

Sometimes while nursing, I stare down into your clear blue eyes and just drink you in. All of your unknowns. And reflect on all of the tiny things I have already discovered, the little things that only your mother could know. Curiously staring into one another’s eyes in waiting. Waiting for the rest of our story to unfold and envelope us both.

This weekend we had a bit of a spontaneous adventure. Turns out that the Unique LA event was happening. Its a market of made in the USA, local vendors. Everything from clothes, to jewelry to prints and more. I had no idea it was happening but luckily one of the children’s brands I follow on instagram (Tiny Whales) posted about it on Saturday. We headed over early Sunday and door-busted the place, which turned out to be a good idea because it was much calmer and more relaxing with far less people. We bought a ton of cool stuff and had a lot of fun, even ran into a few friends. Later we popped on over to a few favorite shops in the arts district where John offered to snap a few outfit pictures. How nice of him hehe. So here is what I wore:

We shall see if I actually have time to throw together some gift guides before you guys have all completed your shopping, but I thought it would be easy enough to share a few of my favorite things. These are a few things that I am currently (or always) loving- things I wouldn’t mind receiving as gifts myself (if I didn’t already own them).

2. GAP Marled Leggings $45 – These lounge pants are to die for. They are heavenly. Believe it or not I actually bought Oliver a pair of sweats like this from baby gap and always thought to myself – “man! I want a pair like that!” Little did I know, Gap makes an adult version and they are even more luxurious than the baby version. Seriously, I could live in these.

3. Brixton Felt Fedora $75 (also available at Nordstroms) – I have been eyeballing a hat like this for some time. Luckily, I recently found this one and its the perfect amount of bohemian all year round. Side Note: this hat claims to be charcoal, but if you ask me it looks olive green.

4. James Michelle Gold Bar Necklace $58 – I got mine to read “Oliver” and I’m pretty much obsessed with it. Makes a perfect new mom gift. Or get a favorite quote inscribed. For example ‘Te Amo”

6. Joe Fresh leopard mohair loafers $40 – You would be surprised at the gems available at JCP these days. These loafers are great quality and rival the ones available at places like J.Crew at a fraction of the price.

7. Vigoss Destroyed Skinny Jeans $58 – I’ve been wanting a good pair of ripped skinnies. I had debated distressing a pair I already owned but didn’t know which pair. So when I found these mid-range priced jeans at Nordstroms, I was pretty pleased! Love the way they fit and they are a great staple in my wardrobe lately. Definitely in heavy rotation.

Hope this might have given you some ideas for those on your list or maybe just some ideas of things to add to YOUR wishlist!

First off, THANK YOU to my husband for this amazing Brixton hat. I was oogelying over it at Nordstrom and joked that I might need it for our upcoming family photos and he surprised me with it. Yeah, he rules like that.

Then, while Christmas browsing I happened to see this sweater at Ross. Christmas shopping is trouble. It was only $16. What’s not to love, right?

•Its Burgundy (a favorite fall color- as you can tell from my matching lips and nails)

•Its Leopard

•The leopard has hearts hidden in the pattern

• It has an awesome graduated shape

• And it has studs

All of which are amazing in my book.

Oh and these chocolate brown booties? oh, they cost me $23.

who knows what I’m pointing at. Probably just being bossy.

Hat: Brixton Diego Fedora $75 (This hat is considered charcoal, but clearly they are coo coo cuz it looks pretty green to me)

Sweater: Dex (Via Ross $16)

Jeans: Levis

Booties: Nicole (Via Ross $23)

Lipstick: Makeup Forever – Rouge Artist Intense #48

Hi, I’m Gaelyn

In short; I'm a graphic designer/illustrator by trade who moonlights as a mama, a wife, a blogger and a filmmaker. I'm really into fashion. And puppies. Definitely into puppies.